King Lear Research Paper

Edmund/Edgar

In King Lear by William Shakespeare, an arrogant king divides his kingdom between his two wicked daughters, ignoring his good child and thus destroying the natural order, having his kingdom suffer the consequences. Shakespeare through the use of metaphors and tone as well as language contrasts Edmund’s belief of nature as fair and just, and Edgar’s belief of nature as cruel and incompatible with man. Shakespeare uses the contrast between Edgar and Edmund’s views on nature, and his portrayal of Edmund as cruel and inhuman, and Edgar as kind and compassionate, to show that it is man who should serve society, and those who attempt to make society serve themselves are the cruelest of alll.

Edmund sees the social order of man as cruel

Nature’s one law, survival of the fittest, allows and even encourages the act of lying because it increases one’s chance of survival. Something Edmund himself believes in. Edgar however rejects this notion, stating it would be better to be “known to be contemn’d than still contemn’d and flatter’d” (IV.i.1-2), Edgar would rather be told the truth than treated kindly. This contrast between Edgar’s values and nature’s values serves to highlight Edgar’s devotion to society and his willingness to sacrifice some comfort for society’s well-being. Society throughout history have always emphasized honesty and truthfulness, therefore when Edgar states it would be better to be “contemn’d” than “contemn’d and flatter’d”, he reveals his beliefs in society’s laws rather than natures. Edgar is also willing to sacrifice being “flatter’d”, or treated kindly, in order to live within society. Edgar does not intend to use society’s honesty against itself but would rather serve society and its laws even if it means sacrificing his comfort. Edgar pities those who are bound to nature. His use of the words “lowest and most dejected thing of fortune” (IV.i.3) to describe animals and others who follow nature’s laws implies that he looks down on them. If they are the lowest, or the “worst” (IV.i.2), then Edgar must be higher than them. Edgar’s usage

Edmund and Edgar are both forced to deal with situations that go against their beliefs. Edgar however is not affected when he does deal with these situation, stating that “The wretch that thou hast blown unto the worst owes nothing to thy blasts” (IV.i.8-9) in reference to nature. Edgar’s use of the word’s “owes nothing” signify that he does not have any obligation or is bound to nature. He is instead bound to man’s society. As a result nature is “unsubstantial” (IV.i.7) to him as it does not affect him. In contrast Edmund when faced with society’s laws, questions them stating “Why Bastard? Wherefore Base?” (I.ii.6) Edmund’s questioning tone implies that he is hurt by these accusations. His obedience to nature’s laws does not shield him from the hurt of society. Shakespeare uses this contrast to highlight that if one serves society and it’s morals like Edgar, then society will protect them, but if one does not serve or recognize society and its morals, then they will be forced to suffer without help. Therefore a person should serve society and its laws because they will benefit as well from doing so. Edgar does not commit anything a typical reader would consider evil, and therefore the reader is apt to conclude that Edgar’s views are not wrong, since people associate people’s beliefs with their actions.